Alonso Scores Second Pole in a Row

Fernando Alonso continued to surprise in this year when his Ferrari has looked far from the best car on the grid.  The Spaniard scored his second pole position in a row in a rainy qualifying session at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix on Sunday, after also scoring pole at the British Grand Prix two weeks ago.

The Germans fared less well, as Sebastian Vettel finished second fastest in his Red Bull, and Michael Schumacher was fourth fastest in his Mercedes.  But Schumacher will start third on the grid since Mark Webber in the other Red Bull will be moved down the grid five spots for a gearbox change.

Starting from fifth position will be Pastor Maldonado, who qualified sixth in his constantly improving Williams car, while Nico Hulkenberg, another German, will start fourth in his Force India.

But the Hockenheim track is now one where overtaking can happen at the hairpin, and much could play out on the pit stops.